Chinese Lantern Gigantea

(Physalis franchetii) This lovely 2-foot perennial produces pretty seed pods, which are bright red-orange and look like glowing Chinese lanterns. Great as a fresh cut flower or dried for craft projects. So popular at farmers' markets, as every one just loves these. This variety is extra large and the berries inside the husk are edible when fully ripe; cook similar to a regular ground cherry. Fun to grow.

In Michigan they are easy to grow and come back every year with little effort. I do not find them invasive as pulling them or just cutting them back controls them quite well. Great for dry flower,. arrangements.

I believe Caroline is thinking of a different plant that grows in south Florida and the islands called Cerasee (Momordica Charanta). It is a vine and can cover everything. But it is a medicinal plant and food used in the islands. I belive some also call it bitter gourd.

These plants will spread like wild fire and take over everything. Their vines will choke out anything they can cling to. They are considered a noxious weed down here in S. Florida and I would NEVER purposefully plant them.

The seeds germinated very well and the plants grew without any issues at all. Overall a great product and value as both ornamental and edible. Reviewers please review the PRODUCT not your personal VIEWS. Also practice responsible stewardship when gardening and species which could become invasive won't become invasive. Remember that MOST species of plants and animals have been released by careless people. Good stewardship is ALWAYS paramount when working with and around mother nature. Thanks for a great product exactly as described. =-)